Rate Increase Notice Writer
Tell an existing client about a rate increase confidently and without over-apologising, while protecting the relationship.
New to this? Read the guide.
What it produces
Real output from this tool, not a mock-up.
What went in
- The client and your history
- A recruitment agency I have done monthly retained design work for since early 2023. About 700 a month for roughly 8 to 10 pieces. Good client, pay on time, the marketing manager is lovely to work with. My rate has not changed since we started.
- The new rate and when it takes effect
- Going to 850 a month from 1 November, so about six weeks notice.
- Reason for the increase
- Nearly three years without an increase, and my costs and demand have both gone up. I am also doing more per month than we originally scoped, it started at 6 pieces and is usually 10 now.
- Tone
- Warm
What came back
Hi Ffion, I want to give you plenty of notice on a rate change: from 1 November, the retainer will be moving from 700 to 850 a month. We set the original rate back in early 2023 when the scope was around 6 pieces a month, and it's usually 10 now, so this brings things back in line with what's actually being delivered. It's been genuinely good working with you these past few years, you're organized, easy to deal with, and I've appreciated that. That gives us about six weeks before it kicks in. Let me know if you'd like to talk it through.
When to use it
Use this when you need to tell an existing client your rate is going up. It states the new rate, when it starts, and gives enough notice to be fair, without the over-apologising that invites a negotiation you did not intend to open.